Herefordshire Pub News

Red Lion Reprieved

The Red Lion at Kilpeck appeal against rejection of planning application has itself been rejected, and it has now been sold as a pub. See full story. [Mar 2008]

Bull’s Head Reopens!

Recently included in the CAMRA National Inventory of Pub Interiors, the Bull’s Head at Craswall is expected reopen on June 5th. Initially it is offering real ales (Wye Valley and Hobsons) and cider, with food expected in later.

New Life for Live & Let Live!

The long wait for the return of the celebrated pub on Bringsty Common is over. See full story. [Nov 2007]

Camp awaiting new owner

Four years after being rescued, the Ancient Camp at Ruckhall is closed again, but another planning application for conversion was refused. It is on the market as a pub. See full story. [Mar 2008]

Newsflash – Vine at Tudorville, Ross-on-Wye: Following refusal of Planning Permission for conversion to private dwelling, the pub is now trading under new ownership. [May 2008]

Pub of the Year 2008

Back in the early 1980’s the Green Dragon at Bishops Frome offered an amazing selection of real beers but was surrounded by the mediocrity of Whitbread, Whitbread or Whitbread – and then it declined. But now the pub is restored as a real ale venue, just like it was back in the early 1980s and it was voted runner-up and Herefordshire CAMRA Country Pub of the Year for 2006 and 2007. Since new owners Simon & Alison Durrant took charge of the 16th century village Inn back in 2005 the transformation has been stunning. With its unspoiled warren of small discrete rooms, each with its own real fire and the centrepiece of a grand inglenook fireplace, this pub now has the quality ales it deserves - and people have been returning to it in their droves.

Simon & Alison Durrant have not rested on their laurels, but have continued build on their initial success. Typical of their enterprising approach was their participation in the Borderlines Film festival, which saw the scheduled showing of A Pocketful of Hops extended to five showings, all to packed houses. This locally made film was augmented by fascinating archive material from around the county. More recently they brought in a cooper from Theakstons Brewery to entertain and inform the locals with a demonstration of his skills.

In 2008 Simon and Alison turned their attention to the outdoor areas and landscaped the garden and patio as well as providing an outdoor smoking area. They also held their first beer festival. Their continued effort has been rewarded with with the accolade of Pub of the Year 2008, jointly with the Barrels in Hereford.

The Barrels in Hereford has wone the title Pub of the Year for the fifth time since the competition started in 1992.

Freed from the need to accommodate the Wye Valley Brewery, the outdoor areas have evolved steadily over the last few years, with scarcely a week passing without some new improvement carried out. As a result the courtyard is perpetually lively, seemingly irrespective of the weather.

The Barrels is one of the last traditional multi-roomed pubs left in Hereford, Its four bars attracting a wide range of clientele. It is a pub that appeals to many tastes, supporting quiz, crib, pool and ladies and gents skittles teams. Whether you are a diehard local, or a first-time visitor to the city, you will always find a warm welcome at the Barrels. Well done to Peter and Fran Amor and their team at the Barrels for winning this accolade.

The Barrels sells all of the Wye Valley award-winning beer range including the monthly specials, and also Thatchers Heritage draught cider.